WPVA CEASES OPERATION, CITING LACK OF SPONSOR SUPPORT

The WPVA has "suspended play and is expected to file
for bankruptcy," according to Sharon Robb of the Ft.
Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL. FL events scheduled for Deerfield
Beach, Fort Myers and Clearwater were cancelled, along with
events in Austin, TX, San Diego and Chicago. WPVA Tour Dir
Levalley Pattison: "The whole market for volleyball is
depressed right now. For some reason sponsors are not that
receptive. The crowds are great and TV ratings are good.
As far as sponsors -- nothing is out there." One investor,
San Diego-based Charles Jackson, withdrew his support of
seven events in '98, citing "difficulty in securing
television and sponsorships at such a late date." WPVA
officials are "working out long-range payment plans for
creditors," and several employees have not been paid. The
two-person pro tour was entering its 12th season and had
sanctioned 140 events since '87. Prize money had increased
from $48,500 to more than $600,000 (SUN-SENTINEL, 3/25).